Dallas Cockfighting Ring Busted; 50 Birds Seized

DALLAS – A noise complaint in far southeast Dallas led authorities to a large cockfighting operation involving dozens of birds.

Police responded to the call about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 13300 block of Nile Drive. Authorities discovered a cockfighting ring in one of several buildings where the property owner lives.

Dallas animal services investigators are looking into the animal cruelty aspect of the operation, while Dallas police vice officers are investigating the gambling.

Police identified spectators at the event and and released them. Attending organized cockfights is illegal, and the spectators could face charges. Police also detained the owner of the property, whose name has not been released. Once the results of the investigations are complete and forwarded to the district attorney, the owner will likely face charges.

Investigators spent about five hours on the property and seized about 50 birds. Some were injured. All were transported to the Dallas Animal Shelter located for care.